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Abstract:

File folder transmission in instant messaging may be implemented by an
instant receiving client, which receives information of a file folder and
information of each file in the file folder. The instant receiving client
may display the information of the file folder and the information of
each file in the file folder. In some embodiments, the instant receiving
client may further receive selection information inputted by a user, and
receive the files in the file folder that correspond to the selection
information from an instant sending client. Such file folder transmission
in instant messaging can efficiently save network resources within a
process of file folder transmission.

Claims:

1. A method of transmitting a file folder in instant messaging,
comprising: under control of one or more processors configured with
executable instructions: receiving, at an instant receiving client,
information of the file folder and information of each file in the file
folder; displaying, by the instant receiving client, the information of
the file folder and the information of each file in the file folder; and
receiving, at the instant receiving client, selection information
inputted by a user, wherein the selection information comprises
information associated with files in the file folder that are selected by
the user.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information of the file
folder and the information of each file in the file folder is
simultaneously received at the instant receiving client, and wherein the
information of the file folder and the information of each file in the
file folder is simultaneously displayed by the instant receiving client.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein upon receiving, at the
instant receiving client, selection information inputted by the user, the
method further comprises: sending, by the instant receiving client, a
file list corresponding to the selection information to the instant
sending client; and receiving, by the instant receiving client, files
corresponding to the file list from the instant sending client.

4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein in response to receiving the
files corresponding to the file list by the instant receiving client, the
method further comprises providing, by the instant receiving client, a
prompt as to whether to continue receiving files in the file folder that
are other than the received files.

5. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein upon providing, by the
instant receiving client, the prompt as to whether to continue receiving
the files in the file folder that are other than the received files, the
method further comprises: sending, by the instant receiving client, a
remaining file list corresponding to the files in the file folder that
are other than the received files to the instant sending client, if the
user selects to continue receiving the files in the file folder that are
other than the received files; and receiving, by the instant receiving
client, files corresponding to the remaining file list from the instant
sending client.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the
instant receiving client, information of an order of file transmission
inputted by the user.

7. The method as recited in claim 6, further comprising receiving, by the
instant receiving client, the selected files in the file folder from an
instant sending client according to the information of the order of file
transmission.

8. The method as recited in claim 7, further comprising upon receiving
the selected files in the file folder from the instant sending client,
providing, at the instant receiving client, an option of selection for
additional files to be received to the user.

9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein displaying, by the instant
receiving client, the information of the file folder and the information
of each file in the file folder comprising displaying the information of
the file folder and the information of each file in the file folder using
a list control.

10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein receiving, at the instant
receiving client, selection information inputted by a user comprises
receiving selection of names of the files displayed in the list control.

11. An apparatus for file folder transmission in an instant messaging
system, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors; memory
communicatively coupled to the one or more processors; a first receiving
module stored in the memory and executable by the one or more processors
that receives information of a file folder and information of each file
in the file folder; a display module stored in the memory and executable
by the one or more processors that displays the information of the file
folder and the information of each file in the file folder; a second
receiving module stored in the memory and executable by the one or more
processors that receives selection information inputted by a user, the
selection information comprising information associated with files in the
file folder that are selected by the user; and a third receiving module
stored in the memory and executable by the one or more processors that
receives the files in the file folder that correspond to the selection
information.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, further comprising a fourth
receiving module stored in the memory and executable by the one or more
processors that receives information of an order of file transmission
inputted by the user, wherein the third receiving module is further
configured to receive the files in the file folder according to the
information of the order of file transmission.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the apparatus is
configured to provide a prompt to the user as to whether to continue
receiving files in the file folder that are other than the received files
corresponding to the selection information.

14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the apparatus is
further configured to send a remaining file list corresponding to the
files in the file folder that are other than the received files to an
instant sending client in response to receiving an input from the user to
continue receiving the files in the file folder that are other than the
received files.

15. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the files in the file
folder that are selected by the user comprise less than all of files in
the file folder.

16. One or more computer-readable media configured with
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more
processors, configure the one or more processors to perform acts
comprising: exploring, by an instant sending client, a file folder to be
transmitted to obtain information of the file folder and information of
each file in the file folder; sending, by the instant sending client, the
information of the file folder and the information of each file in the
file folder to an instant receiving client; receiving, at the instant
sending client, selection information associated with files in the file
folder that are selected by the user from the instant receiving client;
and sending, by the instant sending client, the files in the file folder
that correspond to the selection information.

17. The one or more computer-readable media as recited in claim 16, the
acts further comprising in response to receiving the selection
information, searching, by the instant sending client, the selected files
in the file folder in a computing device or server local to the instant
sending client based on the selection information.

18. The one or more computer-readable media as recited in claim 16, the
acts further comprising receiving, at the instant sending client, a
remaining file list from the instant receiving client, the remaining file
list comprising additional files in the file folder desired by the user
that are other than the sent files corresponding to the selection
information.

19. The one or more computer-readable media as recited in claim 18, the
acts further comprising in response to receiving the remaining file list,
sending the additional files in the file folder that are other than the
sent files corresponding to the selection information to the instant
receiving client.

20. The one or more computer-readable media as recited in claim 16,
wherein the information of each file in the file folder comprises a name,
a type and/or a size of the respective file in the file folder.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a national stage application of an
international patent application PCT/US12/24716, filed Feb. 10, 2012,
which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201110045735.2,
filed Feb. 24, 2011, entitled "Method and System of File Folder
Transmission and Instant Receiving Client in Instant Messaging," which
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of data transmission,
and more particularly, relates to methods and systems for folder
transmission in instant messaging, and instant receiving clients.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] A process of file transmission in instant messaging products may
include a process of transmitting a file folder, which a receiving party
may, however, only be allowed to choose to either accept all or reject
all.

[0004] In existing technologies, a file folder transmission method
generally includes the following procedures:

[0005] A sending party sends a file folder to a receiving party.

[0006] The receiving party sees a name of the file folder sent from the
sending party.

[0007] After the receiving party agrees to receive the file folder,
content of the file folder of the sending party is explored, and is
subsequently transmitted to the receiving party one file after another,
until all the files have been completely sent.

[0008] In the above method, the receiving party can only obtain
information of the name of the file folder at the time of receiving.
Further, the receiving party is only allowed to choose either accepting
all or rejecting all, thus incurring a lot of inconvenience to users.
Moreover, because all the files in the file folder are transmitted as
network data during the process of file folder transmission, a huge
amount of network data needs to be transmitted. As a result, a relatively
large network bandwidth will be occupied, thus causing network congestion
and wasting of network resources.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide a method and a system for
file folder transmission in instant messaging and instant receiving
clients, in order to solve the problem of severe waste of network
resources when transmitting a file folder in an instant messaging
process.

[0010] In order to achieve the aforementioned goals, according to a first
aspect of the present disclosure, a method of file folder transmission in
instant messaging is provided. In one embodiment, an instant receiving
client may receive information of a file folder and information of each
file in the file folder. The instant receiving client may display the
information of the file folder and the information of each file in the
file folder. In some embodiments, the instant receiving client may
further receive selection information inputted from a user. The selection
information may include information of files in the file folder that are
selected by the user. In one embodiment, the instant receiving client may
receive the files in the file folder that correspond to the selection
information.

[0011] Additionally, in some embodiments, before the instant receiving
client receives the information of the file folder and the information of
each file in the file folder, an instant sending client may explore the
file folder that is to be sent to obtain the information of the file
folder and the information of each file in the file folder. The instant
sending client may send the information of the file folder and the
information of each file in the file folder to the instant receiving
client simultaneously.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, in response to
receiving the selection information inputted from the user, the instant
receiving client may send a file list corresponding to the selection
information to the instant sending client. The instant sending client may
send the files corresponding to the file list to the instant receiving
client.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in response to receiving the files
in the file folder that correspond to the selection information, the
instant receiving client may provide a prompt as to whether to continue
receiving other files in the file folder that are different from the
received files.

[0014] Furthermore, after the instant receiving client has provided the
prompt as to whether to continue receiving the other files in the file
folder that are different from the received files, if the user chooses to
continue receiving the other files in the file folder that are different
from the received files, the instant receiving client may send a
remaining file list that corresponds to the other files in the file
folder that are different from the received files to the instant sending
client. The instant sending client may send files corresponding to the
remaining file list to the instant receiving client.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the instant
receiving client may further receive information of an order of file
transmission that is inputted by the user. The instant receiving client
may therefore receive each file in the file folder according to the
information of the order of file transmission.

[0016] In order to achieve the aforementioned goals, according to a second
aspect of the present disclosure, a method of file folder transmission in
instant messaging is further provided. In one embodiment, an instant
sending client may explore a file folder that is to be sent to obtain
information of the file folder and information of each file in the file
folder. The instant sending client may send the information of the file
folder and the information of each file in the file folder to the instant
receiving client. In some embodiments, the instant sending client may
further receive information of files in the file folder that are selected
by a user from the instant receiving client, and may send files in the
file folder that correspond to the selection information to the instant
receiving client.

[0017] In order to achieve the aforementioned goals, according to a third
aspect of the present disclosure, an instant receiving client is
provided. The instant receiving client may include a first receiving
module configured to receive information of a file folder and information
of each file in the file folder. Additionally, the instant receiving
client may further include a display module configured to display the
information of the file folder and the information of each file in the
file folder. In some embodiments, the instant receiving client may
further include a second receiving module configured to receive selection
information inputted by a user. The selection information may include
information of files in the file folder that are selected by the user. In
one embodiment, the instant receiving client may additionally include a
third receiving module configured to receive the files in the file folder
that correspond to the selection information.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the instant
receiving client may further include a fourth receiving module configured
to receive information of an order of file transmission that is inputted
by the user. In one embodiment, the third receiving module is further
configured to receive each file in the file folder according to the
information of the order of file transmission.

[0019] In order to achieve the aforementioned goals, according to a fourth
aspect of the present disclosure, a system for file folder transmission
in instant messaging is provided. The file folder transmission system may
include an instant sending client and an instant receiving client. In one
embodiment, the instant sending client may be configured to obtain
information of a file folder and information of each file in the file
folder. The instant receiving client may be configured to receive and
display the information of the file folder and the information of each
file in the file folder. In some embodiments, the instant receiving
client may further be configured to receive selection information
inputted by a user, and receive files in the file folder that correspond
to the selection information. In one embodiment, the selection
information may include, for example, information of the files in the
file folder that are selected by the user.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the instant receiving client is
further configured to provide a prompt as to whether to continue
receiving files other than the received files in the file folder. In some
embodiments, the instant sending client is further configured to send the
files other than the received files in the file folder to the instant
receiving client if the user chooses to continue receiving the files
other than the received files in the file folder.

[0021] By using an instant receiving client to receive information of a
file folder and information of each file in the file folder, display the
information of the file folder and the information of each file in the
file folder, receive selection information inputted by the user, and
receive files in the file folder that correspond to the selection
information, the disclosed method and system allow the instant receiving
client to receive only the files that are selected by the user without
receiving all the files in the entire file folder. This resolves the
problem of wasting of network resources during a file folder transmission
in an instant messaging process, and therefore achieves an effect of
efficient saving of network resources during the file folder
transmission.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Accompanying figures that constitute a part of the present
disclosure are used to provide further understanding of the present
disclosure. Exemplary embodiments and respective descriptions in the
present disclosure are intended to describe the exemplary embodiments,
and should not be construed as limitations to the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system of file folder
transmission in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0024]FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an instant receiving client in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025]FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an instant receiving client in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026]FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an instant sending client in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027]FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for file folder transmission
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for file folder transmission
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029]FIG. 7 shows the exemplary system described in FIG. 1 in more
detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] It should be noted that exemplary embodiments and characteristics
in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined
with each other under non-conflicting circumstances. The present
disclosure is described in detail below using the accompanying figures
and exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system of file folder
transmission in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the file folder transmission system includes an
instant sending client 10 and an instant receiving client 20.

[0033] In one embodiment, the instant sending client 10 may be configured
to obtain information of a file folder and information of each file in
the file folder. For example, the instant sending client 10 may obtain
the information of the file folder and the information of each file in
the file folder through direct acquisition from a local computer or
server where it is located, or through acquisition from a server or
computer that is connected with the computer where it is located. The
instant receiving client 20 may be configured to receive and display the
information of the file folder and the information of each file in the
file folder from the instant sending client 10. In some embodiments, the
instant receiving client 20 may further be configured to receive
selection information inputted by a user, and receive file(s) in the file
folder that correspond(s) to the selection information. The selection
information may include, for example, information of file(s) in the file
folder that is/are selected by the user. In some embodiments, the instant
receiving client 20 and the instant sending client 10 may communicate
with each other through wireless communication or wired communication.

[0034] In one embodiment, the information of the file folder and the
information of each file in the file folder that is obtained by the
instant sending client 10 may include, but is not limited to, a name of
the file folder, a respective name and a respective size of each file in
the file folder, etc.

[0035] The instant receiving client 20 may first receive only information
of a file folder to be sent and information of each file in the file
folder. The instant receiving client 20 may then display the received
information to a user for selection of file(s) that is/are desired by the
user. The instant receiving client 20 may further receive selection
information inputted by the user, and send a file folder list
corresponding to the selection information to the instant sending client
10. In response to receiving the selection information, the instant
sending client 10 may send the file(s) desired by the user to the instant
receiving client 20, and therefore is allowed to transmit only the
file(s) that is/are desired by the user, thus facilitating operations of
the user and efficiently saving network resources during the process of
file folder transmission.

[0036] In one embodiment, the instant receiving client 20 is further
configured to provide a prompt as to whether to continue receiving files
in the file folder that are other than the received file(s). Moreover,
the instant sending client 10 is further configured to send the files
other than the received file(s) in the file folder to the instant
receiving client 20 if the user chooses to continue receiving the files
other than the received file(s) in the file folder. In some situations,
upon completion of the transmission of the file(s) desired by the user,
the user may want to obtain remaining files in the file folder. At that
time, allowing the instant receiving client 20 to provide a prompt to the
user if he/she wants to transmit the remaining files may greatly
facilitate operations of the user.

[0037] Prior to receiving the information of the file folder and the
information of each file in the file folder by the instant receiving
client 10, the instant sending client 10 may further be configured to
explore the file folder that is to be sent to obtain the information of
the file folder and the information of each file in the file folder. The
instant sending client 10 may send the information of the file folder and
the information of each file in the file folder to the instant receiving
client 20 simultaneously. Sending the information of the file folder and
the information of each file in the file folder to the instant receiving
client 20 simultaneously allows the instant receiving client 20 to obtain
and display the information of the file folder and the information of
each file in the file folder at the same time, thus facilitating the user
to select file(s) that is/are desired.

[0038] In one embodiment, after the instant receiving client 20 has
received the selection information inputted by the user, the instant
receiving client 20 may further be configured to send a file list
corresponding to the selection information to the instant sending client
10. The instant sending client 10 may send the file(s) corresponding to
the file list to the instant receiving client. Since the instant sending
client 10 transmits file(s) based on the received file list, i.e.,
transmitting only the file(s) found in the file list, unnecessary file
transmission is therefore avoided. This therefore efficiently saves
network resources and improves transmission speed.

[0039]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an instant receiving client in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the instant receiving client 20 includes a
first receiving module 201, a display module 202, a second receiving
module 203, and a third receiving module 204.

[0041] The first receiving module 201 receives information of a file
folder and information of each file in the file folder. The display
module 202 may display the information of the file folder and the
information of each file in the file folder. In some embodiments, the
second receiving module 203 may receive selection information inputted by
a user. The selection information may include information of files in the
file folder that are selected by the user, for example. The third
receiving module 204 may receive the files in the file folder that
correspond to the selection information.

[0042] The instant receiving client 20 first receives only information of
a file folder to be sent and information of each file in the file folder,
and then displays the received information to a user for selecting
file(s) that is/are desired by the user. The instant receiving client 20
may further receive selection information inputted by the user, and
receive a file folder corresponding to the selection information.
Therefore, only the file(s) desired by the user is/are transmitted, thus
reducing unnecessary file transmission and efficiently saving network
resources.

[0043]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an instant receiving client in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the first receiving module 201,
the display module 202, the second receiving module 203 and the third
receiving module 204, the instant receiving client 20 further includes a
fourth receiving module 205.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first receiving module 201 is configured to
receive information of a file folder and information of each file in the
file folder. The display module 202 may display the information of the
file folder and the information of each file in the file folder.
Furthermore, the second receiving module 203 may be configured to receive
selection information inputted by a user, where the selection information
corresponds to information of files in the file folder that are selected
by the user. In one embodiment, the third receiving module 204 is
configured to receive the files in the file folder that correspond to the
selection information. In some embodiments, the fourth receiving module
205 may receive information of an order of file transmission that is
inputted by the user. The third receiving module 204 may further be
configured to receive each file in the file folder according to the
information of the order of file transmission.

[0046] The instant receiving client 20 first receives the information of
the order of file transmission that has been inputted by the user, and
perform receiving according to a file folder order desired by the user,
thereby ascertaining the order of receiving files based on the needs of
the user. In one embodiment, the instant receiving client 20 performing
receiving according to the file folder ordering desired by the user may
be implemented as follows: the instant receiving client 20 receives file
transmission order information that is inputted by the user and sends the
file transmission order information to the instant sending client 10. The
instant sending client 10 may then send the files in the file folder
according to the file transmission order information. Through sending
files from the instant sending client end according to an order desired
by the user, file transmission of the files can be totally controlled
according to the needs of the user, thus maximally saving the network
resources.

[0047]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an instant sending client in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the instant sending client 10 includes an
exploration module 101 and a sending module 102.

[0049] In one embodiment, the exploration module 101 may be configured to
explore a file folder to be transmitted to obtain information of the file
folder and information of each file in the file folder. The sending
module 102 may be configured to send the information of the file folder
and the information of each file in the file folder to the instant
receiving client 20. By sending the information of the file folder and
the information of each file in the file folder to the instant receiving
client 20, the instant receiving client 20 is allowed to obtain and
display the information of the file folder and the information of each
file in the file folder simultaneously, thus facilitating a user to
select his/her desired files.

[0050] It should be noted that, for the sake of description, the above
apparatuses are described separately in terms of individual units based
on respective functions. When implementing the present disclosure,
functions of each unit may be implemented in one or more software and/or
hardware components. Specifically, the instant sending client 10 and the
instant receiving client 20 may be implemented using hardware or instant
messaging software.

[0051]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of file folder transmission in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the method of file folder transmission includes
the following blocks.

[0053] At block S502, the instant receiving client 20 receives information
of a file folder and information of each file in the file folder.

[0054] At block S504, the instant receiving client 20 displays the
information of the file folder and the information of each file in the
file folder.

[0055] At block S506, the instant receiving client 20 receives selection
information inputted by the user. The selection information corresponds
to information associated with files in the file folder that are selected
by the user.

[0056] At block S508, the instant receiving client 20 receives the files
in the file folder that correspond to the selection information.

[0057] In this exemplary embodiment, the instant receiving client 20 is
allowed to first receive only information of a file folder to be
transmitted and information of each file in the file folder to be
transmitted, display the received information to a user for the user to
select desired file(s) to be received, receive selection information
inputted by the user, and receive a file folder corresponding to the
selection information. As such, only the file(s) that is/are desired by
the user is/are transmitted, thus reducing unnecessary file transmission
and effectively saving network resources.

[0058] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the instant receiving client 20 may
receive information of an order of file transmission inputted by the
user. In this case, receiving the files in the file folder that
correspond to the selection information includes: the instant receiving
client 20 receiving each file in the file folder according to the
information of the order of file transmission. Through this exemplary
embodiment, the instant receiving client 20 may first receive information
of an order of file transmission inputted by the user, and then receive
each file in the file folder according to the information of the order of
file transmission, thereby permitting a determination of an order of
receiving files according to the needs of the user. Furthermore, the
instant receiving client 20 performing receiving according to the file
folder ordering desired by the user may be implemented using the
following method: the instant receiving client 20 receiving information
of an order of file transmission inputted by the user and sending the
information of the order of file transmission to the instant sending
client 10, and the instant sending client sending the files in the file
folder according to the information of the order of file transmission.
Through sending files by the instant sending client end according to an
order desired by the user, file transmission of the files can be
completely controlled based on the needs of the user, thus maximally
saving network resources.

[0059] In one embodiment, prior to receiving the information of the file
folder and the information of each file in the file folder by the instant
receiving client 20, the instant sending client 10 may explore the file
folder to be transmitted to obtain the information of the file folder and
the information of each file in the file folder. The instant sending
client 10 may send the information of the file folder and the information
of each file in the file folder to the instant receiving client 20
simultaneously. At that time, the instant receiving client 20 may display
as much information as possible simultaneously for facilitating the
receiving user to make a selection based on understanding of as much
information as possible.

[0060] In some embodiments, after the instant receiving client 20 has
received the selection information inputted by the user, the instant
receiving client 20 may further send a file list corresponding to the
selection information to the instant sending client 10. In response to
receiving the file list, the instant sending client 10 may send files
corresponding to the file list to the instant receiving client 20. By
allowing the instant sending client 10 to find files corresponding to the
file list based on the received file list that corresponds to the
selection information and send the files corresponding to the file list
to the instant receiving client 20, the instant sending client 10 is
enabled to search for the files that need to be transmitted quickly.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, after the instant receiving client
20 has received the files in the file folder that correspond to the
selection information, the instant receiving client 20 may provide a
prompt as to whether to continue receiving files in the file folder other
than the received files. By setting up a prompt, if the user wants to
receive files in the file folder that are other than the received files,
the user may directly perform an operation according to the prompt to
receive remaining files, thus providing convenience to the user.

[0062] In one embodiment, after the instant receiving client 20 has
provided the prompt as to whether to continue receiving the files in the
file folder other than the received files, if the user chooses to
continue receiving the files in the file folder other than the received
files, the instant receiving client 20 may send a remaining file list
that corresponds to the files in the file folder other than the received
files to the instant sending client 10. In response to receiving the
remaining file list, the instant sending client 10 may send files that
correspond to the remaining file list to the instant receiving client 20.
By allowing the instant sending client 10 to find files based on the file
list of remaining files and send the files corresponding to the file list
of remaining files to the instant receiving client 20, the instant
sending client 10 is enabled to search for files that are desired but
have not been transmitted quickly.

[0063] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
method of file folder transmission during instant messaging is further
provided, which includes the following blocks.

[0064] At block S512, the instant sending client explores a file folder to
be transmitted to obtain information of the file folder and information
each file in the file folder.

[0065] At block S514, the instant sending client sends the information of
the file folder and the information of each file in the file folder to
the instant receiving client.

[0066] At block S516, the instant sending client receives information
about files in the file folder that have been selected by the user from
the instant receiving client.

[0067] At block S518, the instant sending client sends the files in the
file folder that correspond to the selection information.

[0068] In this exemplary embodiment, by allowing the instant sending
client to explore the file folder to be transmitted and send the
information of the explored file folder and the information of each file
in the file folder to the instant receiving client, the instant receiving
client is allowed to display received information to the user upon
receiving the information of the file folder to be transmitted and the
information of each file in the file folder in order to allow the user to
select desired files to be received and transmit only files that
correspond to the selection information. Therefore, this exemplary
embodiment allows transmitting only the files that are desired by the
user, thus reducing unnecessary file transmission and effectively saving
network resources.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of file folder transmission in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] In this figure, a sending party corresponds to a user who initiates
transmission of a file folder (including a local computing device or
server of the sending party). A receiving party corresponds to a user who
receives the transmitted file folder (including a local computing device
or server of the receiving party). An instant sending client may be the
instant sending client 10 that is described in any one of the foregoing
exemplary embodiments. An instant receiving client may be the instant
receiving client 20 that is described in any one of the foregoing
exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 6, the method includes the
following blocks.

[0071] At block S601, the sending party performs operations in his/her
local computing device to cause the computing device to send a file
folder for the instant sending client. Alternatively, the instant sending
client receives information of operations inputted by the user and
locally searches for a file folder to be transmitted based on the
operations of the user.

[0072] At block S602, the instant sending client explores a directory of
the file folder, collects file information, and obtains information of
the file folder and information of each file in the file folder. The file
information may include a file name, a file size, a file type, etc.

[0073] At block S603, the computing device or server of the sending party
returns the information of the file folder and the files needed by the
instant sending client to the instant sending client.

[0074] It should be noted that the information of the file folder and the
information of all the files in the file folder may be returned from the
computing device or server of the sending party to the instant sending
client, or may be directly obtained by the instant sending client
locally.

[0075] At block S604, the instant sending client sends the file folder
information and the file information to the instant receiving client. For
example, the instant sending client may transmit the file folder
information and the file information to the instant receiving client
through the P2P technology, for example.

[0076] At block S605, the instant receiving client displays the folder
information and the file information to the receiving party. For example,
the instant receiving client may present a list to the receiving party
using a list control. The list includes a name of the file folder, and a
name, a size and a type of each file in the file folder, etc.

[0077] In one embodiment, in response to receiving the information, the
instant receiving client may first notify the receiving party of a file
folder that is going to be transmitted. The receiving party sees a name
of the file folder through the list control, and upon clicking on the
list, may further see information of all the files in the file folder.

[0078] At block S606, after seeing the folder information and the file
information, the receiving party selects desired file(s) in the file
folder to be received. The receiving party may check and select his/her
desired file(s) for transmission based on his/her needs, or check and
select the name of the file folder to perform an entire transmission
thereof.

[0079] At block S607, the instant receiving client sends a file list
selected by the user to the instant sending client.

[0080] At block S608, the instant sending client sends the file folder and
the files in the file folder selected by the user, i.e., files
corresponding to the file list, to the instant receiving client. For
example, after receiving the file list that needs to be transmitted, the
files are transmitted according to an order until all the files that
correspond to the file list are completely transmitted.

[0081] At block S609, the instant receiving client notifies the receiving
party that the transmission has been completed, and provides a prompt as
to whether to continue transmission, allowing the receiving party to
select files and send a file list thereof for further transmission.

[0082] At block S610, the receiving party chooses to continue
transmission, and selects files that are remained for transmission.

[0085] At block S613, the instant receiving client notifies the receiving
party that the file transmission has been completed.

[0086] At block 614, the receiving party ascertains that the transmission
has been completed.

[0087] At block S615, the instant receiving client records a percentage of
transmission and file information. By locally recording information of
the file folder that has been transmitted, retransmission at a breakpoint
may be performed.

[0088] At block S616, the instant receiving client sends a message
indicating that the transmission is completed to the instant sending
client.

[0089] At block S617, in response to receiving the message indicating that
the transmission is completed, the instant sending client ends the
transmission, and completes the transmission for the sending party.

[0090] In this exemplary embodiment, by improving the functionality of
file folder transmission in existing instant messaging tools, the
receiving party is allowed to see contents of a file folder concretely,
and select file(s) that he/she truly needs for transmission and for
adjustment of an order of transmission.

[0091] It should be noted that blocks shown in the flowcharts of
accompanying figures may be executed using a series of
computer-executable instructions of a computing system. Furthermore,
although logical orders are shown in the flowcharts, blocks shown or
described therein may be executed in orders different therefrom under
certain situations.

[0092] The present disclosure provides a new technical scheme.
Specifically, when initiating a file folder transmission, the sending
party sends not only information of a file folder, but also information
such as names, types and sizes of all files in the file folder to the
receiving party. Moreover, the sending party further provides the
receiving party an option of selecting to continue transmission and an
option of retransmission at a breakpoint. As can be seen from the above
description, the present disclosure has the following advantages:

[0093] 1. Prior to receiving, the receiving party can thoroughly
understand contents of the file folder, thus increasing the safety of
transmission.

[0094] 2. Autonomy of the user is manifested. The user can choose one or
more files for transmission based on factors such as his/her preference
and space, etc., thus saving network flow.

[0095] 3. The user is allowed to select an order of file transmission
based on his/her needs.

[0097] From the above descriptions of the exemplary embodiments, one
skilled in the art can clearly understand that the disclosed method and
system may be implemented using software with essential universal
hardware platform. Based on this understanding, the technical scheme of
the present disclosure or contributions to existing technology may be
implemented in the form of software products. The software products may
be stored in a non-volatile storage media, e.g., ROM/RAM, disk, or
compact disc, etc., and includes instructions for a computing device
(e.g., a personal computer, a server or a networked device, etc.) to
execute the method described in the exemplary embodiments or certain
parts of the exemplary embodiments in the present disclosure.

[0098] The various exemplary embodiments are progressively described in
the present disclosure. Same or similar portions of the exemplary
embodiments can be mutually referenced. Each exemplary embodiment has a
different focus than other exemplary embodiments. In particular, the
exemplary system has been described in a relatively simple manner because
of its fundamental correspondence with the exemplary method. Details
thereof can be referred to related portions of the exemplary method.

[0099] The disclosed method and system may be used in an environment or in
a configuration of universal or specialized computer system(s). Examples
include a personal computer, a server computer, a handheld device or a
portable device, a tablet device, a multi-processor system, a
microprocessor system, a set-top box, programmable consumer electronics,
a network PC, a micro-computer, a macro-computer, and a distributed
computing environment including any system or device above.

[0100] The disclosed method and system can be described in the general
context of computer-executable instructions, e.g., program modules.
Generally, the program modules can include routines, programs, objects,
components, data structures, and the like that perform particular
functions or implement particular abstract data types. The disclosed
method and system can also be practiced in a distributed computing
environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices
that are linked through a communication network. In a distributed
computing environment, the program modules may be located in local and/or
remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0101] Apparently, one skilled in the art should understand that the
modules or blocks in the present disclosure can be realized using general
computing devices, and they can be concentrated in a single computing
device, or distributed in networks made up of multiple computing devices.
Optionally, they can be implemented using executable program codes in
computing devices, and therefore can be stored in storage devices and
executed by computing devices. Alternatively, they can be separately
created into multiple integrated circuit modules, or various modules and
blocks thereof can be combined to form a single integrated circuit
module. In this way, the present disclosure is not limited to any
specific combination of hardware and software.

[0102] For example, FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary system 700, such as
the system as described above, in more detail. In one embodiment, the
system 700 includes an instant sending client 702, an instant receiving
client 704, and a network 706. The network may include, but is not
limited to, a wireless communication network or a wired communication
network.

[0103] The instant sending client 702 can include, but is not limited to,
one or more processors 708, a network interface 710, memory 712, and an
input/output interface 714.

[0104] The instant receiving client 704 can include, but is not limited
to, one or more processors 716, a network interface 718, memory 720, and
an input/output interface 722.

[0105] The memory 712 and the memory 720 may include computer-readable
media in the form of volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM)
and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM) or flash RAM.
The memory 803 is an example of computer-readable media.

[0106] Computer-readable media includes volatile and non-volatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology
for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data
structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage
media includes, but is not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static
random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other
types of random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically
erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other
memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital
versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,
magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,
or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store
information for access by a computing device. As defined herein,
computer-readable media does not include transitory media such as
modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0107] In one embodiment, the memory 712 of the instant sending client 702
may include program modules 724 and program data 726. In some
embodiments, the program modules 724 may include an exploration module
728 and a sending module 730. Details about these program modules may be
found in the foregoing embodiments described above.

[0108] In one embodiment, the memory 720 of the instant receiving client
704 may include program modules 732 and program data 734. In some
embodiments, the program modules 732 may include a first receiving module
736, a display module 738, a second receiving module 740, a third
receiving module 742 and a fourth receiving module 744. Details about
these program modules may be found in the foregoing embodiments described
above.

[0109] The foregoing exemplary embodiments are merely example embodiments
of the present disclosure, and should not be construed as limitations of
the present disclosure. For one skilled in the art, the present
disclosure can be altered or modified in many different ways without
departing from the spirit and the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly,
it is intended that all modifications, equivalents and improvements,
etc., which fall within the spirit and the scope of this disclosure, are
covered within the protection scope of the present disclosure.